Overview

• The JK Cements-owned franchise informed Hockey India on Sunday, leaving the men's field at seven unless a replacement is found before the September 24 mini auction.
• Rudras sought clarity on long-term financials after first-season team outlays of roughly Rs 14 crore, with limited ticketing and local sponsorship in Rourkela eroding revenue.
• Hockey India confirmed receipt of the withdrawal and said the league will proceed, with the secretary general expressing optimism about finding a solution.
• The exit follows earlier departures by Team Gonasika and the women's Odisha Warriors, whose operations were folded into the new Ranchi Royal Tuskers.
• The team called the move a difficult decision and said it will redirect resources to grassroots development, creating added roster and auction complications just days before the sale.